Poll: Murphy approvals are good

New Jerseyans continue to like their new governor, giving Democrat Phil Murphy a 59%-31% approval rating in a new Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released on Friday morning.

“He’s about where Governor Christie was eight years ago, and Governor Murphy has yet to be tested with the inevitable crisis that can upend anyone’s legislative agenda or carefully crafted persona. But the eight-point increase in his approval rating from May is certainly a welcome sign,” said Krista Jenkins, professor of politics and director of the poll.

Murphy is at 73%-10% among Democrats , and 32%-31% among Indpendents. He actually scores well among Republicans, with 19% approving of his job.

He has approvals of 54%-24% among women, and 43%-39% among men. Murphy’s numbers are outstanding among younger voters: 55%-22% among the 18-34 group, and 43%-31% among 35-54. He’s at 44%039% among voters 55 and over.

By a 46%41% margin, voters believe New Jersey is moving in the right direction under Murphy.